There is discussion on the Redbirds board about the known non-conference schedule for the 2018-2019 season. I was wondering about other MVC teams (including Murray State) non-conference slate for next season.

Redbirds (so far):

Home:BYUMississippiSan Diego State (MVC/MWC challenge rumored...not sure how they know this because I thought it went by last seasons standings)Florida Gulf Coast

squirrel wrote:Here is what is known for Bradley at this point, mostly part of existing 2-for-1s:

HomeChicago StEastern IllinoisSEMOMWC TBD (unconfirmed home game)

AwayGeorgia SouthernIUPUI

Aside from Georgia Southern and potentially the MWC game, that's a disheartening schedule for any mid-major trying to compete for an at large, and I fully expect Bradley will be good enough to do just that next year. When you are rebuilding you have to play someone those first few years, so I'll give them a pass this one time. The remainder of the schedule will be telling what kind of vision Wardle & Co. have for the future of the program: padding the win column like some former Bradley coaches or taking the UNI approach and scheduling challenging competition that actually gives you a shot an an at-large if you lose in St. Louis.

I think much of Bradley's sked was left open in order to schedule up once they show prospective opponents that they won't be a SoS drain next year. Those will be the softest games on the schedule, or there will be rioting in Peoria, IMO.

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The problem is, if any quality opponents think you are going to be good, they will not want to schedule you H&H. UNI has made a name for themselves so they seem to be able to get good teams to play them. The rest of the teams just hope you can get a P5 team to schedule them. I am not sure it is an easy task to schedule up. We all talk about making a tougher schedule, but I think after a lot of "No Thank You" responses, at some point frustration settles in and teams have to take what they can get.

Indiana State will play in next year's Diamond Head Classic along with St Mary's Rhode Island Colorado UNLV TCU Hawaii and Charlotte Great field and a fantastic opportunity for the Sycamores. (this according to well-connected MWC writer Eli Boettger.)

VUGrad1314 wrote:Indiana State will play in next year's Diamond Head Classic along with St Mary's Rhode Island Colorado UNLV TCU Hawaii and Charlotte Great field and a fantastic opportunity for the Sycamores. (this according to well-connected MWC writer Eli Boettger.)

The Diamond Head Classic is terrible regardless of the field. UNI will never go back. Have fun if you have to play Hawaii at any point as they're known to get every call in that tournament as they are the ones hiring officials for a free 5 day trip to Hawaii. Also, enjoy flying back from Hawaii 2 days before league play starts, no jet lag or massive climate difference that leads to sickness.

VUGrad1314 wrote:Indiana State will play in next year's Diamond Head Classic along with St Mary's Rhode Island Colorado UNLV TCU Hawaii and Charlotte Great field and a fantastic opportunity for the Sycamores. (this according to well-connected MWC writer Eli Boettger.)

The Diamond Head Classic is terrible regardless of the field. UNI will never go back. Have fun if you have to play Hawaii at any point as they're known to get every call in that tournament as they are the ones hiring officials for a free 5 day trip to Hawaii. Also, enjoy flying back from Hawaii 2 days before league play starts, no jet lag or massive climate difference that leads to sickness.

That tournament needs to die but never will because ESPN bought it.

They had a good field this year. Decent field last year and next year.